The Science of New Year’s Eve Hangovers: Why You Feel So Terrible
Table of Contents
alcohol consumption.”>
New Year’s Eve often means celebrating with alcohol,but the morning after can be a brutal reminder of the night before.The science behind that dreaded hangover is complex, involving a fascinating interplay of neurological processes. Dr. martin Morgenthaler, a senior physician in the Department of Neurology at the Westpfalz Clinic in Kaiserslautern, Germany, sheds light on this common ailment.
“In the brain, the accelerator and brake pedals are basically depressed at the same time,” explains dr. Morgenthaler. Alcohol reaches the brain rapidly—within just six minutes—exerting a depressant effect on most brain regions. This slows down cellular processes, particularly the transmission of stimuli, or interaction between brain cells. The result? “the reaction decreases, I get dizzy, my eyesight decreases, I can no longer correctly assess situations.”
The “Film Tear”: Alcohol-Induced Amnesia
The extreme outcome of this slowed brain activity is the infamous “film tear”—a period of amnesia. Dr. Morgenthaler explains, “Medically speaking, the film tear is an amnesia for things that I am currently experiencing.” In severe cases, the entire night’s events can vanish from memory. “The likelihood of this increases the faster and the more alcohol I consume,” he notes, adding that combining alcohol with other drugs significantly increases the risk.
The Confusing Brain: Gas and brakes at Once
The brain’s response to alcohol is paradoxical. While mostly depressing, alcohol also activates certain brain regions. “That’s why we have this euphoric effect and are a little more disinhibited as messenger substances such as endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin are released,” explains Dr. Morgenthaler. This creates a possibly addictive cycle of intoxication.
This conflicting stimulation and depression creates chaos. “It’s basically like stepping on the accelerator and brake at the same time. The whole balance that has to exist is fully messed up,” Dr. Morgenthaler states, highlighting the neurological disruption caused by alcohol.
The Aftermath: Why You Have a Hangover
The hangover’s unpleasant symptoms are a direct consequence of the body’s attempt to process alcohol.The breakdown of alcohol produces acetaldehyde, which alters the body’s own messenger substances, leading to the formation of free oxygen radicals—a major contributor to headaches. Furthermore, all alcoholic beverages contain methanol, whose breakdown products, formaldehyde and acetic acid, also contribute to hangover symptoms.
“A second point is dehydration,” adds Dr. Morgenthaler, emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated to mitigate hangover severity. While alcohol might initially induce sleep, it ultimately disrupts sleep patterns, leading to further fatigue and discomfort the following day.
Why That Nightcap Might Be Ruining Your Sleep
For many Americans, a nightcap seems like the perfect end to a long day. But that evening drink might be sabotaging your sleep, leading to more than just a morning headache. A leading neurologist sheds light on the surprising ways alcohol impacts rest.
While alcohol initially promotes sleep – “that’s why many people drink in the evening, then the rumination stops a bit and you can sleep well,” explains the neurologist – its effects quickly turn sour. The problem, it turns out, lies in the body’s processing of alcohol.
The breakdown of alcohol produces toxins that disrupt sleep patterns. “But that goes wrong at night,” the neurologist notes. These toxins trigger repeated awakenings, increased bathroom trips, and a general feeling of unrest. “Many people also feel thirsty, wake up and have a very fractional sleep,” they add.
The impact extends beyond simple restlessness. Alcohol interferes with deep sleep, leaving certain brain regions unrested. The neurologist explains that the frontal lobe,responsible for higher-level cognitive functions,remains active,often resulting in negative or unsettling dreams.
This disruption of sleep cycles explains why many feel exhausted the day after a night of drinking. The neurologist suggests a simple solution: alternating alcoholic beverages with water. And for a guaranteed betterment? “And one trick even helps one hundred percent: start the new year alcohol-free,” they advise.
So,as you consider your New Year’s resolutions,remember that prioritizing sleep might mean reconsidering that nightly cocktail. A good night’s rest is crucial for overall health and well-being, and sometimes, the best way to achieve it is indeed to skip the alcohol altogether.
Decoding the Dreaded Hangover: A Conversation With Dr. Martin Morgenthaler
New Year’s Eve celebrations often involve alcohol consumption, but the morning after can bring the unpleasant reality of a hangover. we speak with Dr. Martin Morgenthaler, a neurologist at the Westpfalz Clinic in Kaiserslautern, Germany, to uncover the science behind this common ailment and explore why we feel so terrible.
World-Today-News Senior Editor: Dr. Morgenthaler, thanks for joining us. Many people associate alcohol with relaxation and fun, but what exactly happens in the brain when we drink?
Dr. Martin Morgenthaler: It’s a bit like stepping on the gas and brake pedals simultaneously occurring.Alcohol reaches the brain incredibly fast—within minutes—and acts as a depressant on most areas.This slows down the dialog between brain cells, leading to dizziness, impaired vision, and difficulty processing information.
World-Today-News Senior Editor: That explains some of the immediate effects. But what about the dreaded “film tear” – the memory blackout often associated with heavy drinking?
Dr. Martin Morgenthaler: That’s a form of amnesia where memories of events experienced while drinking are lost. It occurs as alcohol disrupts the formation of new memories. The more alcohol consumed and the faster it’s ingested,the higher the risk of experiencing a blackout. Combining alcohol with other drugs further increases this risk.
World-Today-News Senior Editor: It truly seems counterintuitive, but many people report feeling euphoric and more uninhibited while drinking. Why is that?
Dr. Martin Morgenthaler: Interestingly, alongside its depressant effects, alcohol also activates certain brain regions associated with pleasure and reward. This is due to the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. This feel-good effect can be quite addictive.
World-Today-News Senior Editor: So it’s a confusing mix of stimulation and suppression in the brain?
Dr. Martin Morgenthaler: Exactly. It’s like a neurological tug-of-war.
World-Today-News Senior Editor: Let’s talk about the infamous hangover. What’s going on in the body that causes that headache, nausea, and overall fatigue?
Dr. Martin Morgenthaler: Hangovers are primarily a result of the body trying to process the alcohol. The breakdown of alcohol produces acetaldehyde, a toxin that disrupts the body’s chemical balance. It also leads to dehydration. While alcohol might initially induce sleep, it ultimately disrupts sleep patterns, leaving you feeling fatigued the next day.
World-today-News Senior editor: What advice would you give to people wanting to minimize hangover symptoms?
Dr. Martin Morgenthaler: Staying well-hydrated is crucial. Also, alternating alcoholic drinks with water can help. And, of course, moderation is key.
